Chinese vessels have been swarming the Julian Felipe Reef long before the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) had discovered the more than 200 fishing vessels allegedly manned by Chinese militias early this month. Satellite images released by Simularity, a United States-based technology firm, Friday disclosed that the hundreds of Chinese fishing vessels have been going in and out of the Julia Felipe Reef as early as November last year. The satellite images practically debunked the claim of the Chinese government that the presence of the Chinese vessels in the area is for the purpose of seeking refuge from bad weather conditions.

Sadongdong, M. (2021, March 28). Chinese ships present in reef since Nov. 2020. Tempo, p. 2.